PRETEND's first live YouTube AMA, co-hosted by Patreon supporter Katie Watson. The conversation covers listener questions about the making of PRETEND, behind-the-scenes stories, and what's coming next.

Highlights include: how Javier knows when a story is worth pursuing (hint: it's like fishing) and his techniques for getting interview subjects to let their guard down. He shares updates on past subjects including LaDonna and Frank Abagnale.

Looking ahead to 2026: Season 25 kicks off next week with psychic stings featuring undercover Patreon supporters. Also coming: State of Corruption (North Carolina), a caught-on-camera confessional, and a Word of Faith Fellowship update—the DA supposed to try the case is now on trial himself.

00:00 Intro

02:53 Katie's Podcast Journey

04:08 The Art of Storytelling

06:09 Balancing Bias in Journalism

07:49 Building Trust with Interviewees

13:33 Balancing Podcasting and Life

14:55 Ponzi Playbook & Criminal Conduct

17:22 Scariest Interview Subjects

20:08 LaDonna Updates

26:15 Red Flags and Trust

27:37 Telepathy Tapes

30:58 The Truth in Storytelling

34:36 Interview Techniques

37:20 Biggest Challenges in Podcasting

39:14 Balancing Truth and Twists

42:37 Family Reactions

44:11 Maintaining Neutrality

45:19 Dream Project: Speed Dial

46:56 What's Coming in 2026

50:06 Proudest Series

58:35 Word of Faith Update

01:03:33 Season 25 Announcement

Blind Dave (Katie's YouTube show "Only in the UK"): https://youtube.com/@blinddave88

Decoding the Unknown: https://youtube.com/@decodingtheunknown2373

The Greatest Hoax on Earth by Alan Logan: https://a.co/d/gIHDef2

ChaptersLinks

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